RCS/RS with one robot - analytical throughput investigation

Abstract

RCS/R systems are constantly increasing, not least because of the ever-growing challenges in logistics with regard to supply bottlenecks, the shortage of workers and advancing digitization. Nevertheless, there are hardly any statements about their throughput. This study presents an analytical calculation approach to estimate the throughput of such storage systems with one robot operating on the grid. Therefore, a cycle time model with evenly distributed access structures is developed. The analytical approach is validated using a discrete event simulation and their results are compared. The input parameters originate from a European materials handling provider. The approach presented is simple and can be solved quickly by using standard calculation programs.